We are proud we are natives. And regardless of what the Federal Government does to us, we are going to survive.

There has to be some management. That is all we are asking for, and believe me the state will do a good job of management.

Are you aware of any delays in BLM efforts to reseed burned over areas because of new genetic requirements for seeds that are too localized to be commercially viable?

We have to get people to understand fire-wise, prevention techniques when they do buildings around communities.

I went up one day to the Nez Perce reservation and they have a program that they are working with the University of Idaho on that does exactly what you are talking about.

It is easy to make that commitment as a government, but as an individual that owns something that is of a certain value.

American Indian and Alaska Native programs shall continue to be a priority for this Subcommittee.

We only did that for Montana and Idaho. Wyoming wanted us to do it for Wyoming, but Wyoming didn't have an approved state management plan.

If you care about jobs, care about the urban forest, if you care about environment, if you care about property value.

I guarantee you we will look into it.

I thank you for considering my testimony today in support of critical funding for states.

Sustained funding to keep restoration projects on schedule is critical to avoiding collapse of the ecosystem, the economy and the drinking water supply for 7.5 million Floridians and millions of tourists.

This Committee demands an annual shortfall report from the agencies showing exactly how they have spent their money.

That is what frustrates me, is we have so many Federal agencies telling you what to do on your land, and I think we have got to change that.

We have significant concerns about the reduced funding in the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program.

We have got a $700 billion backlog. This means in 350 years we can address the backlog that exists today.

Well, I think the preferred way would be of the tribes themselves wanted to take over the functions and had the expertise.

the second really important thing is the other issue I am working on, and that is trying to tie SRS, PILT, and LWCF together, and get them mandatorily funded and out of the budget.

But we would like the resources at a time of decreasing budgets, and I am trying to find money to build new schools among other things in Indian Country.

We urge the Subcommittee to work with the agency to ensure that the plans are improved.

we hope to address the radon issue across this country.

Thank you all for what you do, and could you make an announcement so that I know when those commercials are going to come on.

public land is not the same as Indian land

Congressman Simpson, we thank you for coming to Pine Ridge, and for coming to Lakota Country several summers ago.

And it is because we all work together. The whole state works together on this.